In the heart of the desert, a springtime tradition has been taking place for over a decade – the Woof Walk. This joyful event brings together dog owners and their furry friends to celebrate the beauty of nature and support a great cause. The event has grown in popularity, and this year, it’s moving to a new location in Yucca Valley, Essig Park, to accommodate the increasing number of participants. The Woof Walk is in support of the Joshua Tree No Kill Shelter, a local organization that has been dedicated to providing care and shelter to animals in need since 1982. The shelter has recently made significant progress, breaking ground on the first phase of its expansion. The new facilities will include two new kennel buildings, which are expected to be completed over the summer. The shelter’s goal is to create a comprehensive animal care facility that will provide a safe haven for animals and support the local community. Glen Harris, co-president of the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter, is excited about the progress made and the future plans for the shelter. “Once the new kennel buildings are complete, we will move on to phase two, which includes new cat kennels and administrative buildings. Our vision is to create a state-of-the-art facility that will provide a comfortable and safe environment for animals, as well as a welcoming space for the community to interact with the animals.”

The shelter’s commitment to no-kill policies is a defining characteristic, and Glen emphasizes the importance of collaboration with other local animal organizations. “We are working together to create a basin-wide animal alliance, where we can support each other and make a bigger impact. We believe that by working together, we can achieve our shared goal of providing a better life for animals in our community.”

The Woof Walk is not only a celebration of animals but also a fundraiser for the shelter. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards the construction of the new shelter. Glen is confident that the community will come together to support the cause, saying, “We expect our community to support us like they always do. We are grateful for their generosity and commitment to our mission.”

The event will feature a variety of local vendors, including twenty-five local businesses offering pet supplies, treats, and toys. Animal rescue and resource groups, such as The Animal Action League, Save the Meow Meows, and Feathers and Fur, will also be present. The event will showcase a range of local cuisine, including food from The Dez, Desert Baked, Sully’s Crepe Co., JT Desert Drifters, Cowboy Churros, Yum Yum Tacos, and Mas o Menos, as well as canine-themed craft cocktails. A highlight of the event is the silent auction and raffle, which will feature fifteen raffle items and a cash raffle with a grand prize of $1,000. The event will also include costume contests, with prizes for the best costume, the dog that looks most like their owner, and other fun categories. Glen encourages everyone to bring their dogs in costume, saying, “We encourage everyone to bring their dogs in costume, and we have really fun prizes for the winners.”

The event schedule is as follows:

The Woof Walk is an event that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, celebrating the joy of dogs and the importance of community. As Glen Harris says, “Wolf Walk is for kids of all ages and certainly dogs of all ages. It’s going to be really fun and it is not only a celebration of all things dog it’s also a big celebration of our community because our community is one very special community.”

For more information on the Woof Walk and the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter, please visit their website at www.JoshuaTreeNoKillShelter.org.